Robotic Work Tool Snap-Fit Body Mount for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-propelled robotic work tools require specialized tools and skills for maintenance, repair, and component replacement, and are often not cost-efficiently manufactured due to complex designs and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled robotic work tool with snap fit assemblies that allow quick and simple attachment and removal of the tool body to the chassis, enabling easy access for maintenance and manufacturing, while ensuring a cost-efficient assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (screws, bolts, welding) are used to attach the tool body to the chassis, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates due to requiring specialized tools and skills
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into modular snap fit assemblies that can be independently engaged and disengaged. Each snap fit assembly consists of separate components (snap fit elements on the chassis, corresponding receptacles on the tool body) that work together to create a reliable yet easily removable connection, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace components without specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fit assemblies provide a dynamic attachment system that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The snap fit elements can be engaged to provide strong connection during operation, and easily disengaged by applying simple upward force for maintenance, allowing the same mechanism to serve both reliability and ease of repair requirements
2Reliability
If complex assembly processes and specialized fastening methods are used, then the manufacturing precision and connection reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap fit assemblies are designed as simple, inexpensive plastic components that can be easily manufactured using injection molding. These components are intended to be replaced if worn or damaged, rather than repaired, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining adequate reliability for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from metal fastening components requiring precision machining to plastic snap fit components suitable for injection molding. This parameter change in material selection and manufacturing method significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required attachment reliability through optimized snap fit geometry and material properties
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tool body is firmly fixed to the chassis, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple snap fit assemblies distributed at different locations on the tool body and chassis. This segmentation provides stable structural support when engaged, while allowing the entire tool body to be easily removed as a unit or individual components to be accessed for maintenance by simply disengaging the snap fit assemblies
4Reliability
If specialized tools and skills are required for maintenance, then the reliability of maintenance operations is improved, but the ease of repair and operational simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snap fit assemblies are designed to be operated by end-users or maintenance personnel without specialized training or tools. The simple upward lifting motion to disengage the snap fit elements makes the system self-service friendly, allowing users to perform basic maintenance tasks themselves while maintaining adequate repair quality for common issues
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A self-propelled robotic work tool (1) is disclosed comprising a tool chassis (3) and a number of tool support members (61, 62, 63) attached to the tool chassis (3) and being configured to abut against a ground surface (27) in a first plane (P1) during operation of the work tool (1). The work tool (1) further comprises a number of snap fit assemblies (s1-s4) and a tool body (5) attachable to the tool chassis (3) via the number of snap fit assemblies (s1-s4). The number of snap fit assemblies (s1-s4) is configured to allow movement of at least a portion (5') the tool body (5) relative to the tool chassis (3) between a lowered and a raised position in directions (d1, d2) substantially perpendicular to the first plane (P1) when the tool body (5) is attached to the tool chassis (3) via the number of snap fit assemblies (s1-s4).